The Sikh community was left outraged after pictures of Instagram influencer Archana Makwana performing yoga at Sri Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple Amritsar, went viral. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a police complaint against Makwana and taken action against three employees for allowing her to perform yoga on the morning of June 21, which is observed as International Day of Yoga. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami appealed to the Sikh community to respect the sanctity of the holy place and to remember that people from all religions and countries come to pay their respects at the Golden Temple. An inquiry committee has been constituted by the SGPC to question the employees responsible for dereliction of duty.
Outrage Erupts at Golden Temple Yoga Incident: Sikh Community Demands Respect
The Sikh community has expressed outrage over an incident where an Instagram influencer, Archana Makwana, was seen performing yoga at the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar. The act has been deemed highly disrespectful and has sparked a wave of anger and condemnation.
Background:
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib, is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts countless pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The temple's sanctity and spiritual significance are paramount for Sikhs.
The Incident:
On June 21, 2022, which is observed as International Day of Yoga, Makwana posted pictures and videos of herself performing yoga on the sacred marble platform of the Golden Temple. The incident sparked immediate outrage among Sikhs, who condemned it as a blatant disregard for the sanctity of their holy place.
Reaction from Sikh Authorities:
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body responsible for managing Sikh shrines, has taken swift action against those involved. A police complaint has been filed against Makwana, and three SGPC employees have been suspended for allowing her to perform yoga.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has appealed to the Sikh community to maintain the dignity and reverence of the Golden Temple. He emphasized that the shrine is a place of worship and not for personal or commercial exploitation.
Inquiry and Consequences:
An inquiry committee has been constituted by the SGPC to investigate the incident and determine how Makwana was allowed to perform yoga inside the temple. Further disciplinary action is likely to be taken against those found responsible.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: Why is the incident so offensive to Sikhs? A1: The Golden Temple is a sacred place of worship for Sikhs, and any act that is perceived as disrespectful or exploitative is met with strong disapproval. Performing yoga on the temple platform is seen as a violation of its sanctity and a disregard for Sikh beliefs.
Q2: What is the SGPC's role in this matter? A2: The SGPC is responsible for the management and upkeep of Sikh shrines, including the Golden Temple. It has the authority to take disciplinary action against individuals or employees who violate the temple's rules and regulations.
Q3: What are the possible consequences for Makwana? A3: Makwana could face criminal charges and may also be banned from visiting the Golden Temple in the future. The SGPC has indicated that it will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that the sanctity of the temple is protected.
Q4: Have similar incidents occurred in the past? A4: There have been isolated incidents in the past where individuals have attempted to perform yoga or other inappropriate activities at the Golden Temple. However, this incident has drawn widespread attention and sparked significant outrage due to the influencer's social media presence.
Q5: What is the Sikh community's message to visitors? A5: The Sikh community welcomes all visitors to the Golden Temple with respect and expects them to adhere to the temple's rules and traditions. They emphasize that the shrine is a place of peace, worship, and reflection, and it should be treated with the utmost reverence.
India has expressed concerns over the recently signed mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, stating that it will study the implications on national security and regional stability. The pact, which aims to develop defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against aggression, is seen as a response to recent geopolitical developments in the region. India, which has a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia, is reading the development cautiously, given the close strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India's rival, Pakistan.
In a significant move amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement" to elevate their long-standing security partnership. The agreement includes a clause stating that any aggression against one country will be seen as an attack on the other, aiming to strengthen joint deterrence and further develop defense cooperation. With concerns about regional security on the rise, this agreement allows Saudi Arabia to formalize a partnership with a nuclear-armed state and provides Pakistan with renewed financial and diplomatic backing from a key regional power.
On his 75th birthday, the world's tallest building, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, was illuminated with images of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the words "Happy Birthday" in celebration. The Indian flag's colours - saffron, white, and green - were also displayed on the iconic building to mark the special occasion. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also extended birthday wishes to Modi on social media earlier in the day.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was a special guest at India's 76th Republic-Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. This marked the second time an Indonesian President graced this event, with the first being 75 years ago. Accompanied by a delegation of six cabinet ministers and senior officials, Subianto witnessed a grand military parade and cultural performances, as well as brought a 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia.
Iran's foreign minister has announced that a prisoner swap deal with France is close to being finalized. The agreement would secure the release of Iranian nationals imprisoned in France and allow for the return of French citizens detained in Iran. This development comes as Germany announces its support for a French-led effort to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Qatar's prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying months of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and free remaining hostages in Gaza. With the lives of 20 hostages at risk, Qatar had been working with the US and Egypt to broker a deal, but Tuesday's attack on Hamas' leadership in Doha has killed any hope for a resolution. Despite Trump's promises that such an attack will not be repeated, Netanyahu continues to threaten Qatar, accusing them of harboring terrorists and vowing to take action if they don't comply.
In a shocking development, Israel has launched an attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, resulting in the deaths of six people. The Qatari government has condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and has raised questions about Israel's true intentions in the region. The attack ruptures the delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where Qatar has been acting as a mediator. This latest incident highlights the increasing involvement of Qatar in the volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
Israel's strikes on Yemen's capital come amidst warnings from their defence minister and public disapproval from Donald Trump following their attack on Doha. As the Middle East watches the tense situation unfold, Qatar struggles to recover from the unprecedented assault on their sovereign territory. A senior Qatari government member expresses anger and concern over the US's delayed warning of the attack, further complicating the already tense relations in the region.
Amid ongoing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim head. The death toll in the protests has risen to 25, with hundreds more injured. As the Nepali Army takes over security responsibilities, flights have resumed at the international airport and authorities are cautioning against the spread of misinformation on social media.
After two days of violent protests, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel successfully persuaded former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become the interim Chief Executive of the country. This comes after the Gen Z protests and other groups reached a consensus with political parties to restore normalcy and form an interim government. The Nepal Army, for the first time, has stepped in to quell the chaos and bring diverse political forces together for dialogue.